UConn Athletics

Division of Athletics Business Meals Policy

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Title: Division of Athletics Business Meals Policy
Policy Owner: Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Applies to: University Workforce Members, Students, Prospective Student-Athletes and External Guests
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, except UConn Health
Approval Date: October 5, 2026
Effective Date: October 26, 2026
For More Information, Contact: Associate Vice President for Financial Operations and Controller
Contact Information: travel@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://travel.uconn.edu

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut (University) recognizes and supports the need for the Division of Athletics to provide Business Meals in connection with athletic competition, practice, Team Travel, local team events, and the Recruitment of Prospective Student-Athletes and other purposes in support of Student-Athletes and consistent with the University’s mission. Athletics Business Meals may involve current Student-Athletes, Prospective Student-Athletes and their families, coaches, assistant coaches, support staff, and External Guests.

PURPOSE

To establish rules that balance the Division of Athletics’ Business Meal needs for Team Travel, competition, practice, and Recruitment and other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compliant activities with the responsible stewardship of public resources, and to support adherence to NCAA regulations regarding Team Travel and Recruitment, which promote fair competition and Student-Athlete welfare.

Because Athletics Business Meals may involve University funds and may also be subject to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, this policy establishes Athletics-specific requirements for Business Meal purchases and reimbursements while maintaining appropriate stewardship of University resources.

This policy supplements the University Business Meals Policy and the Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy for Team Travel and Recruitment Business Meals.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to University Workforce Members, University Students, Prospective Student-Athletes, and External Guests representing or participating with the University’s Division of Athletics as it relates to team Business Meals, recruiting Business Meals, and Business Meals associated with Team Travel, competition, practice, and local Athletics events and other NCAA compliant activities.

DEFINITIONS

Business Meals: Any food or beverage purchased for an approved University Business Purpose. This includes but not limited to entrees, light refreshments, snacks, catered food, Dining Services orders, and groceries or similar supplies purchased for preparation or service of food and beverages for authorized Athletics Team Travel, competition, practice, or recruitment activities.

Business Purpose: A Business Purpose exists when the meeting or activity is essential to conducting official University business and must directly support the University’s mission/objectives and be indispensable for the completion of a specific task or duty.

External Guest: Individuals external to the University who include but are not limited to donors, recruits and external or visiting students.

Prospective Student-Athlete: An individual being recruited to participate in University Athletics, consistent with NCAA rules, including family members or other guests whose participation in a recruiting Business Meal is permitted under NCAA and University requirements.

Recruitment: On-campus or off-campus recruitment of a prospective student-athlete and/or the prospective student-athlete’s family or permitted guests.

Student-Athlete: A current University student participating as a member of an intercollegiate Athletics team.

Team Travel: An official Athletics competition, practice, mandatory team training, team meeting integral to competition or practice, team travel, local team event, or similar Athletics activity related to team operations, including excursions and team building.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University permits the purchase or reimbursement of Athletics Business Meals when such expenses are reasonable, necessary, appropriate, directly related to official Athletics business, , and compliant with NCAA rules. University funds may not be used for Business Meals at social functions, routine staff meetings, or events held primarily for convenience rather than a valid Athletics business purpose.

All Athletics Business Meals, whether incurred during Team Travel, at a local Athletics event, or at the primary work location, must meet the standards in this policy and associated procedures to qualify for payment or reimbursement.

The Division of Athletics will adhere to the University’s Business Meals Policy, Travel and Entertainment Policy, and Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy, except where this policy outlines specific provisions for Athletics Team Travel and Recruitment Business Meals.

This policy complies with NCAA rules and regulations and adheres to the requirements of the Division of Athletics Title IX policies.

Individual meal per diem reimbursements for travelers are governed by the University Travel and Entertainment Policy and the Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy. Team Travel Business Meals, and Recruitment Business Meals described in this policy are governed by this policy.

University Workforce Members and Students may be subject to additional or differing Business Meal reimbursement requirements under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or provisions in their employment agreement. In the event of a conflict between this policy and an applicable CBA or employment agreement, the CBA or employment agreement shall control.

PRE-APPROVAL

The following Athletics Business Meals do not require pre-approval:

  • Business Meals associated with Team Travel.
  • Business Meals associated with Recruitment where a Prospective Student-Athlete and/or the Prospective Student-Athlete’s family or permitted guests are present
  • Employee-only Business Meals that occur immediately before or immediately after a competition or approved team activity and are time-sensitive and operationally necessary.

Any Business Meal type not mentioned above is under the purview of the University Business Meals Policy

EXPENSE LIMITS

The cost of a Business Meal for each person, including beverages, taxes, delivery or service charges, and gratuities may exceed two (2) times the applicable GSA Meal Rate for the location for Business Meals relating to Recruitment or Team Travel that is in compliance with NCAA rules.

TEAM TRAVEL STAFF BUSINESS MEALS

Team Travel staff may receive more than three Business Meals per day, not inclusive of per diem, if additional Business Meals are provided to Student-Athletes, such as snacks or pre-game and post-game Business Meals, in accordance with the Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy.

EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY

Requests for exceptions to this policy must demonstrate business necessity, comply with NCAA rules, and be approved by the Director of Athletics.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Business Meals Procedures

REFERENCES

NCAA rules and regulations can be obtained through the Athletic Compliance Office.

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 10/05/2026 (Approved by the University Senior Policy Council and President)

Revisions:

Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy

Posted on by
Title: Division of Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy
Policy Owner: Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Applies to: University Workforce Members, Students, Prospective Student Athletes and Guests
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses, except UConn Health
Approval Date: November 19, 2025
Effective Date: February 1, 2026
For More Information, Contact: Associate Vice President for Financial Operations and Controller
Contact Information: travel@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://travel.uconn.edu/

BACKGROUND

The University of Connecticut (University) recognizes and supports the need of members of its community to travel for Athletic competition, events, and other purposes in support of student athletes and consistent with the University’s mission.  The University may also find it important to host guests for similar purposes.

PURPOSE

To establish rules that balance the Division of Athletics travel and entertainment needs with the responsible stewardship of public resources, and to support adherence to the National College Athletics Association (NCAA) regulations regarding team travel and recruitment, which promote fair competition and welfare of student athletes.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to University Workforce Members, Students, Prospective Student Athletes and Guests representing the University’s Division of Athletics as it relates to team travel and recruitment. This policy also applies to contractors, unless the applicable contract provides terms inconsistent with this policy.  The University’s Division of Athletics will adhere to the University’s Travel Policy, except where this policy outlines specific provisions for the Division of Athletics.

This policy complies with NCAA rules and regulations and adheres to the requirements of the Division of Athletics Title IX policies.

DEFINITIONS

Approver: An individual designated to review and/or authorize Business Travel and associated expenses, in compliance with University policies and procedures. See the University’s Travel and Entertainment Policy Appendix 1 “Roles and Responsibilities” for further details.

Business Expense (“Travel Expenses”)
Business Expenses (“Travel Expenses”) meet the following criteria:

  • Reasonable Expenses: Costs that a prudent person would incur under similar circumstances. They should not be excessive or extravagant and must reflect fair market value.
  • Necessary Expenses: Costs essential to conducting official University business. They must directly support the University’s objectives and be indispensable for the completion of a specific task or duty.
  • Appropriate Expenses: Costs suitable and fitting for the context of the business activity. They should align with the University’s mission and adhere to its policies and ethical standards.

Business Travel: Travel or entertainment undertaken for activities directly related to official University business.

Reimbursements: The repayment of allowable, properly documented out-of-pocket or Travel Card expenses associated with approved Business Travel.

Student Assistance Fund (SAF): Utilized to cover expenses to support student-athletes, in accordance with NCAA guidelines. SAF funds support activities related to student-athletes’ academic, athletic, and medical needs.

Travel Card: A University-issued credit card used to pay for authorized travel-related expenses incurred during official University business.

Traveler: Anyone traveling on behalf of the University including University Workforce Members, students, prospective student-athletes and guests. University Workforce Members traveling on professional business unrelated to team travel or recruitment must adhere to the UConn Travel and Entertainment Policy.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University of Connecticut supports the travel needs of its Division of Athletics to promote student-athlete competition, recruitment, and other business functions consistent with NCAA requirements and the University’s mission. While the University’s Travel Policy applies to all travel, this policy establishes specific provisions and flexibilities for Athletics-related travel, ensuring compliance with NCAA rules while maintaining stewardship of University and public resources.

University Workforce Members and Students may be subject to additional or differing travel and entertainment requirements under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or provisions in their employment agreement. In the event of a conflict between this policy and an applicable CBA or employment agreement, the CBA or employment agreement shall control.

PRE-TRIP

Pre-Approval

Athletics travel generally requires pre-approval consistent with University standards. However, the following types of travel are exempt from requiring a Travel Request in Concur:

  • Team travel for scheduled events and competitions
  • On-campus and off-campus recruitment of prospective student-athletes
  • Travel related to the SAF account, such as travel for medical reasons
  • Travel by current student-athletes, such as flights home during break periods

Travel Advances:

Travel advances for athletic staff are permitted for scheduled team events and competitions. Advances may be issued for up to 100% of estimated travel costs and are not subject to a minimum advance threshold. Eligible expenses include:

  • Meal per diem
  • Transactions that do not accept the University travel credit card, such as registration fees, tips, laundry, meal per diems for bus drivers
  • Meal supplement funds for student manager staff

ELIGIBLE BUSINESS EXPENSES 

Travelers must select the lowest-cost option that meets Business Travel needs, unless otherwise stated.
Additional details can be found in the Procedures.

General Trip Requirements

Receipts are not required for Team Travel airfare booked through the University’s Travel Agency, or for reasonable gratuities where there are no direct costs associated, including:

  • Golf Caddies/Outside Staff
  • Valet services for vans
  • Hotel porters
  • Complimentary meals

Transportation

Air Travel

For certain events (e.g., tournament or post-season events), the University is required to book travel through an NCAA- or tournament host-mandated travel agency. Overweight baggage fees are allowable for team travel.

Ground Travel

In-state car rentals through the University’s preferred car rental agency are permitted if cost savings compared to personal mileage is documented.

Large or premium SUVs may be rented through the University’s preferred car rental agency without a cost comparison when any of the following conditions apply:

  • The vehicle is used to transport a prospective student-athlete and/or their family
  • Equipment is being transported
  • More than three UConn employees are traveling together
  • The vehicle class is specified in an individual’s employment contract, and that individual is either driving or riding in the vehicle

Livery Service is permitted when transporting a prospective  or current student-athlete and/or their family, regardless of location or destination.

Lodging

Local lodging is allowed for team events in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Meals

  • The Athletics department may reduce the standard meal per diem rate in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Team travel staff may receive more than three meals per day if additional meals are provided to student-athletes (e.g., snacks, pre- and post-game meals).
  • Team travel staff may receive the full per diem rate on travel days in alignment with required travel schedules.
  • Team or recruiting meals where a prospective student-athlete and/or their family are present, may exceed three times the applicable GSA or U.S. Department of State per diem meal allowance for the location.

Single-Day Travel:

  • The Athletic department determines the necessary meal provisions for each trip and calculates the meal per diem accordingly to align with the required travel schedule.

EXPENSE REPORTING

Team travel expense reports must be submitted within 90 days.

EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY

Reimbursements related to current or prospective student-athletes and their family may be approved under circumstances that would otherwise not be permissible under the Travel and Entertainment policy or associated procedures, provided they comply with NCAA rules and limitations. Examples include:

  • First and business-class airfare
  • Air and ground transportation upgrades
  • Travel expenses incurred during break/vacation periods or Student Assistance Fund (SAF)-related trips
  • Meal expenses exceeding the standard per diem allowances
  • Team entertainment
  • Meal supplement funds
  • Official Visit Host Money
  • Laundry expenses

ENFORCEMENT 

Travelers who do not comply with this policy or its associated procedures may be personally responsible for expenses incurred. Violations of this policy or its associated procedures may also result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Workforce members, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS 

Travel and Entertainment Procedures

Appendix 1 Roles and Responsibilities (Athletics)

REFERENCES

NCAA rules and regulations can be obtained through the Athletic Compliance Office

POLICY HISTORY 

Policy created:  11/19/2025 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and the President)

Tax Credit Incentive Program, Policy On

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Title: Tax Credit Incentive Program, Policy On
Policy Owner: Division of Athletics
Applies to: University Workforce Members
Campus Applicability: All UConn Campuses except UConn Health
Approval Date: June 20, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Director of Athletics
Contact Information: (860) 486-2725

PURPOSE

The University of Connecticut (“University”) administers a UConn Tax Credit Program (“Program”) to encourage the promotion and public recognition of the University and its programs, services, or mission. This policy sets forth the framework required to comply with Connecticut law.

APPLIES TO

All University workforce members.

DEFINITIONS

Credit: A Connecticut state tax credit equal to 50% of payments made under a qualified agreement for the applicable taxable or income year, not to exceed $500,000 per taxpayer, per taxable or income year, with an aggregate annual program cap of $5 million per calendar year.

Qualified Agreement: A written agreement to which (1)  a Taxpayer and the University are parties, and (2) one which the University has determined, in accordance with written procedures, provides for  payments  that will encourage the promotion and public recognition of the University’s Division of Athletics program, services, or mission.

Reservation: A written acknowledgement issued by the University that it has reserved a tax credit equal to the amount of the expected tax credit to be awarded to the taxpayer pursuant to a qualified agreement, and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Taxpayer: Any person, as defined in section 12-1 of the general statutes, whether or not subject to any taxes levied by Connecticut, that executes a qualified agreement.

Voucher: A certificate issued by the University which authorizes the taxpayer to claim a tax credit on their Connecticut tax return.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Division of Athletics, in consultation with the Office of the Controller, is responsible for establishing and administering the Program.

The Director of Athletics ensures that all Qualified Agreements support the University’s athletic activities that promote or enhance public recognition of the University’s mission, program, or services. Acceptable activities include, but are not limited to, sponsorships, marketing partnerships, and other initiatives approved by the Director of Athletics.

The University may not issue Vouchers that, in aggregate, exceed $5 million in Credits for any calendar year. No Taxpayer may receive more than $500,000 in tax credits per income or taxable year.

University employees directly involved in negotiating or administering Qualified Agreements may not personally benefit from, or hold a financial interest in, any Taxpayer receiving Credit.

The Division of Athletics and the Tax and Compliance Office shall adopt procedures concerning the implementation of this policy. Such procedures must include:

  • Processes for application, Reservation, and Voucher;
  • Documentation requirements;
  • Record retention requirements;
  • Reporting requirements to the Commissioner of Revenue Services and General Assembly; and
  • Criteria for Qualified Agreement determinations.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this Policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with state law, University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, the University of Connecticut Student Code, and Division of Athletics Student Athlete Handbook.

PROCEDURES

Tax Credit Program Procedures

POLICY HISTORY

Policy Created: June 20, 2025 (Approved by President’s Senior Policy Council)

Student Athlete Name, Image, Likeness, Policy On

Posted on by
Title: Student-Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness, Policy On
Policy Owner: Athletics
Applies to: All Student-Athletes and University Employees
Campus Applicability: All UConn campuses, except UConn Health
Approval Date: March 18, 2025
Effective Date: March 19, 2025
For More Information, Contact Director of Athletics
Contact Information: (860) 486-2725
Official Website: https://uconnhuskies.com/sports/2021/7/14/uconn-nil-information

PURPOSE

To establish a policy pursuant to which University of Connecticut (“University”) Student-Athletes are permitted by the University to (1) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract, Revenue Sharing Agreements, or employment in an activity unrelated to an Intercollegiate Athletic Program; and (2) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or Sports Agent through a written agreement, provided that in each case, the Student-Athlete complies with the terms and conditions of this policy and applicable law.

DEFINITIONS

Athletics Booster: a person who directly contributes to a University athletic program.

Compensation: the receipt, whether directly or indirectly, of any cryptocurrency, money, goods, services, other items of value, in kind contributions and any other form of payment or remuneration.

Endorsement Contract: a written agreement under which a Student-Athlete is employed or receives Compensation for the use by another party of such Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event.

Intercollegiate Athletic Program: a program at the University for sports played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements for participation by a Student-Athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of college athletics.

NCAA: the National Collegiate Athletic Association or its successor.

Official Team Activities: all games, practices, exhibitions, scrimmages, team appearances, team photograph sessions, sports camps sponsored by the University and other team-organized activities, including, but not limited to, photograph sessions, news media interviews, and other related activities as specified by the University.

Prohibited Endorsements: receipt of Compensation by, or employment of, a Student-Athlete for use of the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness (“NIL”) in association with any product, category of companies, brands, or types of Endorsement Contracts that are: (1) prohibited by law; (2) prohibited by this policy; or (3) prohibited under the applicable University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

Revenue Sharing Agreement: an agreement between the University or an entity acting on the University’s behalf, and a student athlete through which a student athlete shares a portion of the University’s revenue as Compensation.

Sports Agent: a duly licensed person who negotiates or solicits a contract on behalf of a Student-Athlete in accordance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act, 15 USC 7801, et seq., as amended from time to time.

Student-Athlete: a student who attends or has agreed to attend the University and participates or has agreed to participate in a University Intercollegiate Athletic Program.

University Marks: the name, logo, trademarks, mascot, unique colors, copyrights and other intellectual property or defining insignia of the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University shall permit its Student-Athletes to (1) obtain legal or professional representation of an attorney or Sports Agent through a written agreement, provided that the Student-Athlete complies with this policy and applicable law; (2) earn Compensation through employment in an activity unrelated to an Intercollegiate Athletic Program; (3) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract with a third party; (4) earn Compensation through an Endorsement Contract with the University for the use of  the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event; and (5) earn Compensation through a Revenue Sharing Agreement with the University.

1. Agreements for Representation by a Sports Agent or an Attorney

  1. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with a Sports Agent if the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University.
  2. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an agreement for representation with an attorney if the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the agreement to the University

2. Agreements for Employment Activities and Endorsement Contracts with Third Parties

    1. A Student-Athlete may receive Compensation for employment in an activity unrelated to any Intercollegiate Athletic Program, provided the Student-Athlete signs a written agreement for the employment and submits a copy to the University before performing any employment activities or services.
    2. A Student-Athlete may only enter into an Endorsement Contract with a third party if:
      1. the Student-Athlete submits a copy of the contract to the University prior to the Student-Athlete performing any activity or service under the contract;
      2. the contract, or any portion thereof, does not conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party. If a potential conflict is identified, the University shall disclose to the Student-Athlete or the Student-Athlete's attorney or Sports Agent the provisions of the University agreement that are in conflict; and
      3. the Student-Athlete is not required to participate or engage in any activity prohibited by Section IV of this policy.

    3. Endorsement Contracts and Revenue Sharing Agreements with the University

    A Student-Athlete may only enter a Revenue Sharing Agreement and/or Endorsement Contract with the University if:

    1. the Endorsement Contract is limited to the use of the Student-Athlete's person, name, image or likeness in the promotion of any product, service or event;
    2. the Student-Athlete is an independent contractor; and
    3. the Student-Athlete is not required to participate or engage in any activity prohibited by Section IV of this policy.

    4. Prohibitions

    1. No state funds appropriated to the University may be used to compensate a student athlete for an Endorsement Contract or a Revenue Sharing Agreement.
    2. Use of Marks. Student-Athletes are prohibited from using or consenting to the use of any University Marks when performing any services or activity associated with an Endorsement Contract or employment activity without prior written permission from the University or its authorized designee.
    3. University Employees. University employees are prohibited, in their individual capacity, from entering into an Endorsement Contract or a Revenue Sharing Agreement with any Student-Athlete or otherwise providing Compensation to a Student-Athlete in connection with a Student-Athlete’s participation in an Intercollegiate Athletic Program.
    4.  Student-Athletes.
      1. Student-Athletes are prohibited from performing any service or activity associated with an Endorsement Contract or employment activity that interferes with any official team activities or academic obligations.
      2. Student-Athletes are prohibited from receiving Compensation from entering an Endorsement Contract with, and/or otherwise engaging in an employment activity with companies, brands, products, conduct, and/or entertainment prohibited under University procedures adopted in accordance with this policy.

              PROCEDURES

              The President or the President’s designee may adopt procedures concerning the implementation of this policy.

              ENFORCEMENT
              Violations of this Policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with state law, University Laws and By-Laws, and Division of Athletics Student Athlete Handbook.

              POLICY HISTORY

              Policy created effective June 30, 2021 [Approved by the Board of Trustees]

              Revisions:
              May 2, 2022
              March 18, 2025 [Approved by the President’s Senior Policy Council]

              Athletics Employee Handbook

              Posted on by
              Title: Athletics Employee Handbook
              Policy Owner: Division of Athletics
              Applies to: Athletics Staff
              Campus Applicability:  Storrs
              Effective Date: August 2016
              For More Information, Contact Division of Athletics
              Contact Information: (860) 486-2725
              Official Website: http://www.uconnhuskies.com/

               

              The Division of Athletics Employee Handbook is currently being revised. Please check back soon for updates. Any questions pertaining to the handbook may be directed to Cheryl Bertora at (860) 486-2725 or Dan Gilinski at (860) 486-2050.